GUELPH—Pompom shaking, hair whipping, and big stepping to the big beat of the music, all while wearing a revealing outfit. This is only part of the job of a Hamilton Tiger-Cats cheerleader. The role of ambassador for the Canadian Football League squad is also a key part of the job description.

The University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium will be the home field for the Ticats this year, and in an effort to make Guelph as home as home can be, the team has decided to hold its cheerleader tryouts here as well.

Guelph women, you have one opportunity to show your team spirit, and that is on Sunday, March 3 at U of G’s W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre. There are about 20 spots on the cheerleading team and they are all up for grabs.

“Like anything we’re doing this season, we want to give a Guelph focus to it,” team marketing director Steve Lowe said. “So we’ve decided to hold the auditions in Guelph.”

There has already been a strong response to the audition call, Lowe said. He added the judging panel will give careful consideration to including Guelph cheerleaders on the team. A choreography component and an interview are part of the audition process. Women attending the tryout from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. are asked to dress in a black half-top and leggings, as well as having camera-ready hair and makeup.

“It’s an open tryout,” he said. “Returning members of the team are put through the exact same audition process as anybody new coming to the team.” As with the football team, veterans of the cheerleading team are given preferential treatment.

“At the end of the day, the role is so much more than just performing on the field,” Lowe added. “Obviously that is a big part of it. But these are really ambassadors for the team.”

The women are a part of a number of promotional appearances during the season, at charitable events, hospitals, and the events of corporate partners. The team also produces a calendar featuring its cheerleaders in bikinis.

“They are an important part of the organization, and they will have a very big presence in the Guelph community,” Lowe added. “It’s no different than the players, placing them at the forefront of the organization.”